Help with Brake System for 2000 Dodge Ram 1500?

Question

My dad owns a wrecker service and has given me a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick up 5.2 L V8.  The truck runs great, but the brake pedal mashes all the way to the floor.  The truck has been sitting up for about 3 months now.  There is brake fluid (full) but the gasket under the cap was torn.  I have been told there may be air in the line and should bleed the lines.  Is this a waste of time considering that the reservoir was full or should I try this before replacing the master cylinder or booster?  What should I look for to make sure it's not the master cylinder versus the booster?  Thanks for all who help!!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

i would bleed the system before you replace anything.

being that it has a torn gasket and brake fluid attracts moisture, the fluid could be contaminated.
so i would suck out the fluid out of the reservoir, refill with fresh fluid and start bleeding the brakes.

if that didnt help, then its the master cylinder.

tronary · Answer

Pump the pedal a few times and see if it comes up. Then check the master cyl. fluid level. If it's still full and the pedal is still soft I would do a bleed on all four wheels. NEVER replace any part till you know the problem. The booster will not affect the pedal except to make it difficult to push if not working.

henrysol · Answer

I saw a dodge come in i think it was a durango though and the calipers where replaced in reverse so the bleeder screw was pointing up rather than down....the point is make sure the basics are right and then look for problems so yeah i would try bleeding the lines first then see....

the rocket · Answer

it sounds to me like you need to replace the seals in the master cylinder.or get a replacement cylinder.fit and pressure bleed .check for leeks .

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Help with Brake System for 2000 Dodge Ram 1500?

4 Answers